*******
3:30 AM
They were driving through downtown MacCall to get on the freeway that would take them west. As they passed a furniture store that had bright lights in the windows, in the van Glaidous said, “look yonder Mr. Tim, dat' be the furniture we make.”
Timpkin got on the radio and said, “slow way down Donovan and listen to this.” He said, “Mr. Glaidous repeat what you said.”
He told them again that the furniture in the store and the quilts hanging in the window were made by them. Haze said on the radio, “I bet you that big building in the forest is the holding spot for the furniture.”
Donovan said, “Haze you’re right, remember the truck and three men.”
Timpkin said, “oh my goodness, the one who shot the two men was Charles, the head honcho.”
Donovan and Haze said, “right.”
Theenda’s soft voice came over the radio, she said, “Sweetie, that's where we purchased our dining and kitchen furniture.”
Tess shivered. They drove through MacCall, the whole town smelled of smoke, on the empty freeway everyone saw on top of the mountain a yellowish red glow that lit the sky. Donovan got on the radio and announced, “to all the freedmen and women you are free, that light in the sky is fire, it’s destroying the plantation you called home.”
Loud applauds and cheering were heard in all three vehicles.
Lillie could be heard as she said tearfully, “Lawd’ Lawd’, no moe, no moe beatin,’ no moe gate. Glory ta’ God, we be fee.”
Tears of sadness rolled down Theenda and Sara’s cheeks. KayKay said, “Glory to God on the highest.”
The freedmen and women asked questions regarding the freeway lights, they ask how cars run, and how did Donovan find them. They wanted to know what would happen to the plantation, and if the Browns would find them. Finally, the hum and rocking of the vehicles put the slaves to sleep. Donovan said to Theenda, “baby girl, I am so sleepy.” There was no answer, he looked around Theenda and his mom was fast asleep, he smiled, their pillow was each other’s head.
James said, “pull over I’ll drive.”
Donovan said, “thanks dad, a rest stop should be coming up soon, you’ll take over then.” He reached in his pocket and got the one point nine-ounce energy shot. He continued and said, “I got this, I gave one to the guys, you’ll take over at the next stop, is that okay?”
“Sure.” James was tired as well, so he sat back and took a nap.
7:00 a.m.
Donovan got on the radio and whispered, “hey guys, a rest stop is coming up, it has diesel fuel.”
Timpkin replied, “we need to change drivers. I am tired.”
“Agreed.” Haze said. He looked at Tess who was waking up, he asked her, “can you drive a bus. I claimed you were my relief driver but wasn’t sure.”
“Yes.” Since Tess was thrown off Donovan's bus and embarrassingly got on Haze, this was the first time he acknowledged that she existed. “Yes, I can drive, in school my work-study job was driving campus buses,” Tess said ever so sweetly, she smiled at Haze then Helen.
Helen said, “I won't ta' be jest’ like you, Miss. Tess.”
Haze said calmly, “no you don't.” He announced on the radio, “I have a relief driver.”
Donovan forgot to cut his radio off, so everyone on his bus heard their conversation.
James woke up and said to Donovan, “I know for a fact Sara will not let Thee drive a bus, that’s why we’re going with you.”
Sara said, “No I won't. She has done enough. Cooked dinner, marched up and downstairs spreading gunpowder, killing folk, running from the degradation of evil, setting fires, she's done enough for a pregnant woman.”
Theenda said, “mom, it was potassium salt.”
“I don’t care what it was Thee, you’ve done enough.”
Laughing James said, “as I said.”
“Yes dad, you're driving.”
Lillie said, “dat' be' a mouth full. I's wanna' talk likes' dat,' fast, lots of words.”
Donovan said, “oops, I left the radio on.”
Theenda said, “all I want is a pickle with mustard and some ice cream.”
“Son, you're sitting next to your wife while she eats that.” Sara looked at Lee and asked, “young man, mind if I sit next to you?”
“Yes ma'am, you can sit next ta' me,” Lee said shyly. He thought all these free people did not mind sitting by him, he beamed with innocent pride.
Theenda got on her phone internet to look up restaurants, she said there's a KFC next to the BP that sales diesel fuel.”
Haze said, “yep let’s go there.”
Theenda asked, “everybody agree.”
“Yes, were the replies.”
Theenda said and suggested, “there’s a park with benches, swings, and bathrooms, yep, let’s eat there.”
KayKay suggested, “guys leave the two-ways on, I'll explain what we're doing?” She explained what fuel was, she told them about KFC and the meal they were going to eat. She explained what parks and swings were, she told them about the people they were going to see, she also explained the bathrooms and how they work. She then made a request to Timpkin, James, and Donovan please show the men how to use the urinals and toilets. Ladies, we know what to do.”
Theenda and Tess said at the same time, “Roc on.”
Since James and Sara were the same age as Timpkin and KayKay, they immediately became friends. They had a lot in common, their children were grown, they were close to their children, they were Christians, they liked gospel music and opera, they were educated, there one difference between the ladies, KayKay liked to gossip, Sara did not, nor tolerate it. Both James and Timpkin liked football, baseball, and chili dog Sundays.
The slaves in the three vehicles were amazed as they listened to the free people jargon, joke, and laugh.
They pulled the two buses and van to the gas and fuel pumps, Donovan went in to pay for the gas, the newly freedmen, women, and children went into the store five at a time, so everyone could utilize the bathroom in a timely manner.
Theenda purchased, in the gas station store, three legal pads, and pens. She gave one to Tess and KayKay, she then told everyone to get back on the bus they were riding and sit next to the same individual, she made the same request of the one's that road in the van. She made Timpkin van the lead, Donovan bus one, and Haze bus two. Theenda asked Tess and KayKay to go to their vehicle, write at the top led, bus one or two, then the individual's names and their seat number, beginning with seat number one upfront. By the time they finished writing who was sitting where and in which vehicle, the tanks were full. Theenda’s plan was a good way for them to learn the ex-slave’s names. Timpkin drove his van to KFC. Riding with him was Theenda, KayKay, Tess, and Sara, it took the five of them and three KFC employees to help carry the food to the van.
The freedmen and women got on the bus, Donovan and Haze drove them to the park area.
In the park everyone had a great time, they ate, swung, a loud airplane flying over scared them, they all fell to the ground. KayKay got the freedmen and women together and explained what they were hearing and seeing. Donovan said, “the plantation was a no-fly zone.”
Haze asked, “people can do that.”
Donovan said, “yea if you have enough money, Michael Jackson property was a no-fly zone.” He looked at Tess, put his hand on Haze's shoulder and said, “I believe Haze, you're not the violent one.”
“Well, except hitting Kay.” That was all me, Haze admitted.
Donovan and Haze laughed. Lee joined the men and said, “I like this freedom, Sir.”
Donovan put his arm around Lee's shoulder and said, “one-day bro you're going to drop that Sir.” Donovan and Haze laughed.
Theenda was pushing a child in the swing when she saw Jethro go over to a young black couple with children, he asked. “you be free?”
Though it was sad and not funny, Theenda chuckled softly.
8:30 a.m.
James called a meeting while the newly freed enjoyed playing in the park. He asked if they could go to New York, he wanted to get all his affairs in order, and get more clothes. Donovan asked, “pops you and mom going with us, how long are you going to stay?”
James said, “your mom and I talked, we’re selling our house, we’re staying for good.
Donovan said with tears in his voice, “I love you too.” He hugged them both, with one arm around his mom, the other his dad.
Sara said, “when we get home, we’ll take them to see a doctor.” She asked, “how far are we from the plantation?”
Haze answered, “a little under two hundred miles, the buses will only go so fast.”
Sara said, “that’s far enough,” she looked at Donovan and asked and said, “think we can stay the night? I saw a shop down from KFC, let’s get them some clothes, they take a shower and leave in the morning.”
Donovan asked, “is that okay with everyone?”
KayKay said, “perfect.”
Donovan kissed his mom and went to Theenda.
The little girl Theenda was pushing had gone to play ball with other kids, looking on at Donovan and his parents hug, Theenda thought about the mess of hers and burst out crying. Lillie went to Theenda and cuddled her and said, “There now Mr. Bright's baby girl, it gonna' be alright.” She took Theenda to one of the benches and rocked Theenda as she hummed a tune the slaves had made upon the plantation.
Haze watched the two women, his heart was softening, he looked at Helen who was talking to one of the children. He smiled; soft Helen reminded him so much of Theenda. Helen had the same cottony kindness in her voice and happy eyes. He looked at the people in the meeting and said, “yes, let’s take them across this beautiful magnificent country we live in and call home.”
Tess watched Haze and Helen, she said to herself, “I messed up.”
Though a man should never hit a woman for any reason, a woman should never push until he’s furious, as Tess had. She got mad one time and hit Haze with a baseball bat, she had spit, slapped, kicked, sliced, and argued relentlessly. Defending himself he beat her senseless. She’d go to work where her co-workers felt sorry for her, they told her how much they hated him, some even called the police, Donovan had beat him good for her and now he despised her.
Tess watched Donovan go to Theenda, she had stopped crying. When Donovan approached, Theenda looked up at him and smiled, she stood he kissed her. Haze went to Helen, he gently took the hand of the child she was playing with, Helen looked up at him and smiled, Haze said something that caused her to giggle, Tess thought he's in love. She looked over at James and Sara, Tess smiled because Sara got on her toes and kissed James cheek, they walked away holding hands, Tess said, “like mother like son.”
In a distant, Tess saw Glaidous and Sophie arguing, Sophie pushed Glaidous then walked away. Glaidous and Tess eyes met, she could tell he was embarrassed, she looked down at the ground, to herself said, “I need to change, I am Sophie.” She sat quietly for a moment and then said, “that's a disgusting attribute to have.” She got on bus number two and sat in the driver's seat, she left the door opened.
They entered the store, Rita went to Theenda and asked, Miss. Enda, der’ be coloreds and whited ta’ gather.”
Theenda said, “yes they are shopping.”
A young black and white couple walked in arms around each other and giggling, the slaves were confused. Ben said, “da women ain’t got nuff clothes on.”
A few women walked in wearing daisy dukes, and bust popping out their blouse, Lee slobbered on his self. The ex-slave men and women stood in disbelief of how the women customers dressed.
Helen said to no one in particular, “dat’ be’ how Miss. Becky Lou dress.”
The freedmen salivated; they had a hard time trying to focus on choosing new clothes.
Donovan spent over three thousand dollars on purchasing shoes, socks, coats, clothes, and toiletries for all the slaves. The hotel only had four rooms available. They divided the slaves into groups of fours, two rooms for the men and two for the woman. The abolitionist divided themselves into twos, James and Timpkin, Haze and Donovan, Theenda and Tess, lastly Sara and KayKay, they entered the room with the slaves and showed them how to shower and use the toiletries. The slaves could not believe how clean they could get and how smelly they used to be.
The freedmen and women slept on the bus while Donovan, Haze, Timpkin, and James, the four drivers slept in the rooms. KayKay was in the van with her group, Tess with hers, and Theenda and Sara on the bus with their group.
The following morning, Theenda put Lee, Ben, and Glaidous in charge while the women went into the rooms to shower and change. A MacDonald was down the road, before showering Theenda called and ordered hotcakes, breakfast sandwiches, a bottle of water, and orange juice for everyone.
*******
After eating breakfast and before they got on the bus Timpkin looked at James and said, “we're watching the games on Sunday.”
James said, “ya betcha, we gotta find some hotdogs and fixings.”
They high fived each other and laughed.
Ben and Lee watched the men friendly comradery, Ben whispered to Lee, “I's like freedom.”
Jethro stood by himself watching Timpkin and James. He looked over at Donovan with Theenda, he said, “I want to be like him.”
Lillie sat on a park bench and listened to a conversation between Sara and Haze. Sara said, “Haze I’ve noticed you’re looking for guidance from my son, he’s a twenty-three-year-old man-child that became a leader overnight.”
Haze said, “he’s normal, I want normal, your family is normal, Helen is normal like Thee. When I was a boy, I was beaten with sticks, belts, extension cords, punched, kicked by my father and mother. As a teen I ran away from home, in my late twenties I moved to Ogville, started my company, I loved the town and people. Age thirty-four I married Tess.”
Sara advised Haze, she said, “Haze be you, not Don, you’re older and wiser. You have a sweet disposition.”
Haze said timidly, “thank you.”
Sara continued, “Helen is a sweet girl, end the marriage with the wild one first. Heal emotionally, then if Helen is the woman for you, love her and tell her.”
Haze gave Sara a boyish hug and said, “thank you for teaching me how to be normal.”
Sara laughed and said, “you’re a mess.”
James said to Donovan, “when we reach Rochester, I set a meeting with social security, Children Services, the FBI, newspapers, TV news, and your brothers. There are two Asian teens, and no adult that’s that race, a Hispanic woman that has had no children, yet four children are of her race, I asked which young person has had a child, only six, yet there are twelve young kids that’s too old or too young for any of the slaves to birth. But first let’s rest in Columbus, Ohio for a week, I’m tired.”
Donovan laughed, and said, “I believe we all can use the rest.”
11:00 am
Donovan got on the radio and shouted, “time to move out. Columbus, Ohio here we come.”
When Haze was going to bus two, which Tess was driving, Lillie stopped him and said, “Helen is my daughter, if you marry her, you be my son.”
Haze laughed and asked, “may I call you mom.”
Lillie smiled and answered, “please do.” She gave him a motherly hug and kiss on the forehead.
With everyone in their assigned seats, the convoy pulled off.
XLI
All But One
Bo woke up sniffing the air, he leaped off the porch into muddy water. He stood in disbelief and semi-shock. The night before, while Bo slept in a drunken drugged stupor, the slaves dug a narrow waterway all the way around his shack. Then filled it with water from the thousand-gallon water tanks, plus it had rained hard as Donovan’s convoy was going through MacCall. The rain put the fires out and overflowed the waterway. Several of the slave’s cabins had burned down, while others were partially standing.
He jumped off his porch, he slipped and fell in mud and water. He got up and looked for fresh water, there was none. He had a bucket full in his home, he washed up the best he could and changed clothes. He left his cabin slowly, he walked around the plantation calling each slave by their name. He ran to the slave town, the church had completely burned down, not one board or glass was left standing or lying on the ground. The church was nothing but ashes, the hole the slaves dug was filled and covered with dirt. The general store wall that was next to the church had burned off, the items in the store were not touched, and the bar did not receive any damage.
Bo walked around the plantation, he went to the tobacco field, all the fields were destroyed. The silence made Bo tremble, he thought someway somehow the slaves had gone and left him behind. How will he make it all by himself? Then Bo remembered during the Thursday night service, he had stood outside the church, the title of Glaidous sermon was All But One, Bo heard him say, “God will save everybody but one, and that one will be left behind.”
Bo said out loud, “they all knew of the escape. How did they get out?” Bo asked himself. He ran to the gate and shook it hoping to find a weak spot. “Glaidous was talking to me.” Bo fell on his knees and cried.
Looking up at the sun, it was past time for the slaves to be in the tobacco field, he leaned against the gate and said, “da’ ovaseer be gone wid’ da’ slave.”
*******
Fred and his woman woke up in Roy’s cabin with a serious hangover. Fred asked, “what's dat' smell?”
Roy’s woman jumped up and ran outside to vomit, but was startled from the quiet, even the wind was still, the smell of smoke was strong. She said, “guys you may want to come out here.”
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